Crozer Health’s Jacqueline Scheier, D.O. Featured in Philadelphia Magazine Heart Month Edition

Crozer Health’s Jacqueline L. Scheier, D.O. was featured in a Philadelphia Magazine profile on women’s heart health, in recognition of February being American Heart Month. Dr. Scheier, a primary care physician at Crozer Health Family Care and Women's Health, shared some of the often-underrated risk factors women face and offers practical advice for building a healthy routine.

She noted that someone looking to improve their cardiac health should begin with a primary care doctor who is in tune with their individual needs and can work with them to achieve their health care goals. She and other primary care doctors work with patients to create a reasonable plan of action that has a good chance of success.

Dr. Scheier said that getting enough sleep plays an important role in regulating stress and anxiety. She explained that most heart attacks occur at night because cortisol levels are so high, and getting poor sleep raises one’s cortisol levels even more. She encourages her patients to get into a bedtime routine – going to sleep at a reasonable time, avoiding distractions in the bedroom, and making it a dark environment.

She explained that stress can raise one’s risk of high blood pressure and stroke and if patients don’t manage their stress, there’s only so much a physician can do to help them improve their health. She stressed the importance of trying different options – including running, meditation, or prayer – and it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Lastly, Dr. Scheier expressed her concern about the long-term impact of people’s jobs becoming more sedentary because they are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted the importance of building habits that replicate walking to work and moving more throughout the day.